The biggest complaint about how it unfolded last season was that the Knicks didn’t win games or develop their young players. For most fans, the 2019-20 season is considered a lost season.
Making the most of next season starts by fielding a respectable product. This means a well-trained team that plays hard and has an identity. The next thing sounds crazy, but it’s not if you understand the NBA and this market. It is not in the best interest of the organization to win too many games if it is based on an unsustainable model.
Case in point, think back to the 2013-14 season, the Knicks were coming out of their most successful campaign in over 10 years, the 2012-13 team won 54 games. However, that team had peaked because most of their players were older veterans. You had a 40-year-old Jason Kidd starting in the backcourt. He literally retired during the playoff series against the Pacers.
It goes without saying that expectations for the 2013-14 season have risen and the team has failed. Coach Woodson was fired and the front office and technical staff were relinquished.
So unless the Knicks build the squad around young stars, it’s in Thibodeau’s best interest to show improvement, the right way, but don’t overdo it.